NUC reveals the number of UTME candidates that will get admission

– The NUC applauded the creation of new univrsities

– The university commission insists standard must be maintained in all institutions

– Only 26 per cent of admission seekers get university admission

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has revealed that out of the 1.5 million candidates that sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) yearly, only 400,000 are accepted into Nigerian universities.

The figure means only about 26 per cents of applicant get university admission while the rest either move to other institutions are are spilled to the following year

NAN reports that Prof. Julius Okojie who is the executive secretary of the NUC disclosed this during the visit of Adams Oshiomole, the governor of Edo state to the commission’s office in Abuja on Wednesday, March 23. The governor was there to collect the Certificate of Recognition for the new Edo State University, Iyanmo.

READ ALSO: Oludotun says JAMB used wrong software in 2016 exam

The NUC secretary said the establishment of new universities was needed to cater for the large number of candidates while also making sure that standard was maintained.

“I am always happy when a new university comes on board; what that means is that we are expanding and we are opening up access.

“We know the number of candidates  that sit for UTME organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board every year.

“However, out of the 1.5 million candidates who take  UTME every year, we are barely able to make provision for only about 400,000 students.

“The new university will, therefore, be accessible not only to candidates  from Edo State but those from Ondo State and other states.”

Okojie said the Edo State University,  has become the 41st state university and the 142nd university in Nigeria.

Oshiomole said it was necessary to produce sound secondary school graduates in order to be able to compete for university education.

READ ALSO: Reps order Jamb to revert to pencil-paper tests

He said: “We have structures that are strong and well designed; we are building more faculties.

“We are building more standard  hostels; students will behave based on the influence of the environment.

“So, it is my hope that we will make the right level of investment and the university will charge fees that will enable it to access revenue for sustained development without depending much on the  state government.”

Meanwhile, on the backdrop of the ongoing complaints concerning the 2016 examination, Mr Shodunke Oludotun alleged that the reason a lot of candidates failed the 2016 examination was because the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board used the wrong software to mark the exam.

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